Bible Study Notes (02/22/22) James 3:13-18 - Gospel Motivated Love

James – Gospel Motivated Love
Wisdom From Above
Passage: James 3:13-18
QUESTION: If someone asked you, “how do you produce a harvest of righteousness?” how would you answer them from a modern Christian perspective?
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
James 3:15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
James 3:18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James has been exposing the tendencies of the self-righteous within the churches. Those who found their significance in what they knew or in the social perspective of others. To show partiality is the evidence of the heart. One is more concerned about protecting their wellbeing at the expense of another. Self-righteousness naturally turns the eyes and priority of an individual upon themselves. We justify these actions by how we perceive ourselves. Because of what I know and what I have accomplished, I am significant.
James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
James 2:20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
If what we say does not align with what we do, our profession has the same weight as mist in the wind. It is of no effect or consequence. The modern Christian is programmed to focus primarily on their own personal development. Programs and lists are provided promising spiritual transformation if one puts the work in. Almost every list excludes the very emphasis of the New Testament writers, the church.
James 3:18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Let’s now contrast what happens when our focus is on ourselves and not on others:
James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.

James 3:15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
If whatever righteousness you are producing does not benefit your local body but ends up pulling you away from them or ignoring their needs, you are trapped by “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.” Notice the actions James presents as “wisdom from above”:
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

QUESTION: Is it possible to use the wisdom James describes that comes from the Father outside of the local church? Why or why not?
QUESTION: How do we fight this self-righteous tendency that only produces “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” wisdom?
QUESTION: Working on our faith as individuals is obviously not sinful, but what should be the intended goal, according to James?

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Wisdom is not how much you know but how much you are known by your love. If we keep our focus on the love of Christ for us, we will always have the motivation and strength to rightly love others. May we all pray and ask for wisdom daily as we seek to love each other today and for the rest of our time on this earth.

PRAISE, PRAYER, AND CONFESSION:
What can you offer to the Father in praise? What is a sin you need to confess?
What is a burden we can carry?
What can we take to our Father in prayer?

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